Bedwetting: You are not alone

No shame or blame for accidents — nobody “wants” to wet the bed.

Wetting the bed is a common problem for children. In fact, 15 percent of 5-year-olds wet the bed. Unfortunately, it is also an issue that we tend not to talk about outside our immediate families – if it is talked about at all.

It is important for kids and their families to realize this is a common issue, usually there is not a medical reason, and it usually will stop on its own.

First:

No shame or blame for accidents — nobody “wants” to wet the bed.

Kids who wet the bed are NOT “lazy.”

If a kid could stop wetting the bed, he/she would.

Kids CAN be responsible for keeping themselves and their bed clean and dry (age-appropriate), i.e., help strip the bed, help with the laundry – NOT as a punishment

Your child may be ready to work on becoming dry at night if he/she:

Is asking about being out of diapers or pull-ups and wants to wear underwear.

Is feeling like he/she is missing out on social activities.

Seems excited to try something new to become dry.

Most kids are not ready to work on bedwetting until around age 7. Understandably, parents often want to work on bedwetting before the child is ready. Usually your child will be more successful once they are on board versus trying to make them want to work on it.